Travelers are experiencing longer wait times at U.S. Airports due to staffing challenges at the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).
TSA Wait Times at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport
TSA wait times at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport ranged between 6 and 26 minutes last week, as some checkpoints were forced to close due to staffing shortages. As of 9:30 a.m. On Tuesday, March 24, wait times at each checkpoint were as follows:
- Terminal 3 checkpoint: 9 minutes
- Terminal 4 checkpoint A: 13 minutes
- Terminal 4 checkpoint B: Closed
- Terminal 4 checkpoint C: 14 minutes
Wait times for Terminal 4 checkpoint D are not currently posted on Sky Harbor’s website.
Government Shutdown Impacting TSA
The current partial government shutdown is impacting TSA operations, as employees are working without pay. This has led some TSA officers to call out or quit, resulting in worker shortages. Despite the shutdown, TSA officers are considered essential workers and continue to report for duty.
ICE Assistance at Sky Harbor
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers began assisting TSA with security at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport on Monday, March 23. Travelers at the “A” gates in Terminal 4 were alerted to the ICE presence with signage, and one ICE officer was observed aiding travelers in line. ICE agents were also present at checkpoints in Terminal 3.
What Travelers Should Know
Officials advise that passenger traffic at Sky Harbor is higher than usual due to spring break and Cactus League spring training, with March typically being a peak travel month. Travelers are encouraged to check their flight status with their airline before heading to the airport.
- Plan to arrive at least two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international flights.
- TSA Security Checkpoint wait times are available live on skyharbor.com.
- Passengers in Terminal 4 can access their gate through any of the terminal’s four security checkpoints.
- Utilize the free 24th Street or 44th Street PHX Sky Train stations.
- Reserve a spot in the security checkpoint line with PHX RESERVE.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is TSA still operating during the government shutdown?
TSA officers are considered essential workers and continue reporting to work during the shutdown, but are working without pay.
How many TSA employees have quit during the shutdown?
More than 400 TSA employees have quit, according to the Department of Homeland Security.
Where can I find current TSA wait times at Sky Harbor?
TSA Security Checkpoint wait times are available live on skyharbor.com.
As the government shutdown continues, how might these staffing challenges impact your travel plans and the overall security of air travel?